Don’t Make a Fool Out of Yourself: The Basic Do’s and Don’ts in Presenting

A few mistakes here and there are inevitable, but did you know that most of them can be avoided?

If you’re well-prepared, you risk lower chances of these misfortunes happening.

First impressions last, so put your bedst foot forward and give them a presentation they’ll never forget!

I’m not saying don’t be yourself, but you still want to appear as someone to be respected.

So respect them in return.

Here are the basic do’s and don’ts in presenting:

1. Relax.

Okay, you can tell when someone’s nervous.

Their sentences get faster, and it seems to be a bit chaotic and unorganized for them.

Remember, the most important element in a great presentation is not confidence, but the message.

How will you say sentence in coherence when your nerves are all jangled up?

There are many ways to help you relax for your presentation.

a. Inspect the Room You Will Be Presenting In.

When you have an idea on where you’ll be doing your presentation, it’s easier to visualize you doing an excellent job!

Your mind starts to paint a picture on how you want to perform since where it’ll take place is right where you are.

b. Do Breathing Exercises.

Inhale for seven seconds, hold it for another seven and then exhale for another seven seconds.

Do this 10-15 minutes before your presentation to compose yourself, accompanied with a positive mindset.

c. Talk to Some Audience Members Who Are Already There Early.

Introduce yourself to some of the audience members and get to know them and their motives for attending the event. It gives you a better understanding of your audience and you know how they say, “Talk to the audience as if you were talking to a friend?” It’ll be much closer to that setting.

2. Don’t Mention Too Many Statistics.

Give it a maximum of 2-3 statistics, but only the EXTREMELY important ones.

People want a speaker who’s relatable, and most of the time, we don’t talk using statistics. Instead, share your experiences and insight. Share how the topic you’re presenting about has been relevant in your life and how it could be for them, too.

Sounding too smart can backfire, seriously.

3. Minimize Your Usage of Power point.

As speakers, we want our audience to focus on us, not the power point.

Having too much visual aids will get your audience distracted, and this can affect your intended impact.

Keep it a maximum of 3-5 slides, and a slide should not have more than five words.

Even better to keep all of them as only pictures.

That’s why it’s called an “aid,” it’s supposed to support your talk, and not be the primary focus of attention.

Never, ever, depend on a power point.

Technology can have glitches, and if that happens while you’re not prepared without the power point, then you can kiss a successful speaking career goodbye.

4. Speaking Too Long (Or Short).

This is blatant disrespect for the next speaker’s time.

If there is no next speaker, then it’s disrespect for the audience’s time, or the event’s next activities.

Rehearse your talk over and over, and give a few minutes for adjustments.

Never do your full talk.

Let’s say you were asked to talk for 30 minutes.

Aim for 25 minutes if you don’t have a Q&A part.

If you have a Q&A, allot a 10 to 15- minute time for that.

In professional settings, some speakers were never called again after going over their time.

5. Making It All About You.

You should only do this during the introduction.

The best speeches are never focused on the speaker, but the audience!

The reason why they’re at your event is because they want to gain something that will benefit THEM!

Avoid telling them stories that have no direct relation to what it can do with their lives.

The moment someone invites you or hires you to speak, study the demographics of your audience right away.

Demographics:

Age range

Sex

Educational Attainment

Religion

Marital Status

Income

Those are only some of the many that there are.

Do your research, and make sure it is tailored to what problem they are currently solving in their lives.

Don’t make it all about you.

You’re the hero.

Let them realize they made the right choice showing up during your presentation.

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Whether you’re a newbie or have been speaking for a while, proper speaking etiquette should be present in each and every presentation.

By following the basics, you’ve already increased your value in your audience’s eyes.

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Nicah Caramba is the founder of Today I'm Changing. She is an entrepreneur who is passionate about self-improvement, travel and Japanese food. She is constantly looking for ways to make progress daily to achieve personal growth that creates impact on others.